THE battle to avoid the dreaded drop out of the Football League could end sooner than expected with cash-strapped Boston left fighting for survival both on and off the field.

The Pilgrims currently occupy the second relegation spot three points behind Brian Carey’s Wrexham, who sit in 20th place and entertain the Pilgrims on the final day of the season.

Many fans believed the fight to avoid joining Torquay in the Conference would rest on a do-or-die meeting between the two sides, but it could now be resolved earlier than that.

Yesterday Boston, who have failed to pay their players and staff for more than two months and are reported to owe more than £1m, were granted permission to undertake a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA), which would ensure creditors and shareholders are paid back just under half the money they are owed.

They were given the green light for the decision as more than 75% of the shareholders and creditors agreed at a meeting, but this could still incur a 10-point deduction that would end their hopes of survival.

The meeting was adjourned until Wednesday when a formal vote will take place, when the club’s future on the pitch is a little more clearer.

However, should Boston still have a chance of avoiding the drop come the final day of the season then the vote could be put back further until after the final whistle at the Racecourse Ground in little over a week.

But the danger is that they will forego the 10-point deduction this campaign, still be relegated and start next season in the Conference automatically 10 points adrift.

This would be the second time the club have been docked points by the Football League, the previous penalty coming at the start of the 2002-03 season, which they began with a four-point deduction and a £100,000 fine for admitting six breaches of FA rules.

It has also been revealed the club has had its cash hand-out from the Football League suspended until further notice.

Every club in League Two receives in the area of £100,000 from the Football League – a percentage of television and sponsorship money, but due to what has been described as "uncertainties" at the club, the revenue has been withheld.

A Football League spokesman said: "As in previous cases of this kind, the League has withheld the payment.

"This is due to current uncertainties as well as the club’s outstanding debts to the League and fellow clubs."

And to rub salt into the wounds at York Street, neighbours Peterborough United have refused a request for a ground share if Steve Evans’ Pilgrims are evicted from their home before the end of the campaign.

The Posh, managed by ex-Dragon Darren Ferguson, have declined the request made by Boston, who could be evicted from their home this afternoon in court for alleged non-payment of rent.

That could leave Boston without a venue for their match with Torquay on Saturday.